2014 Guard Free Agent Breakdown

By: Matt HarmonHigh-end starters

NoneGood starters

1) Travelle Wharton, Carolina Panthers. Age: 33

After not playing a down in 2012, Travelle Wharton came home to Carolina and had his best season in years. Wharton was a stabilizing force at a very beat up position group for the Panthers. His age is what keeps from reaching the next tier. The Panthers should want him back, but he will be sought after. A short deal for decent money would net a quality starting guard.

2) Geoff Schwartz, Kansas City Chiefs. Age: 28 *signed with Giants*

Its finally time this guy gets his due. Geoff Schwartz is a “Football Twitter” darling, and has played well in every chance he has been given. He finally seemed to break through with the Chiefs this season. Perhaps 2014 will finally be the year that Schwartz gets a big contract and a permanent starting job. He won’t be brought in as a great bench player this time around.

Asamoah was the player who gave way to Schwartz. His season was a very mixed bag, and he eventually lost his starting job. Given that fact, he probably moves on during free agency. Asamoah is a young player who has had a few solid seasons. He will almost certainly find another starting gig.

Solid Contributors

1) Harvey Dahl, St. Louis Rams. Age: 32

He was a big free agent signing, but Harvey Dahl fell off a bit during his time with the Rams. He can still be an affective starter, but there are also injury issues here.

2) Richie Incognito, Miami Dolphins. Age: 31

The off the field issues are a-plenty, but as a pure football player, Richie Incognito is a mid-level starter. It is very likely no one will want to bother taking a chance on him. On the other hand, there is such a shortage of offensive line talent around the league he might land another job. Honestly, who knows with this guy?

3) Willie Colon, New York Jets. Age: 31 *re-signed with Jets*

Willie Colon was middling starter at guard for the Jets. The best news for him was that he managed to stay healthy. A phenomena very out of the norm for this player. You could do much worse than Colon as a starter, and at worst, he provides valuable experience at multiple positions.

4) Zane Beadles, Denver Broncos. Age: 27 *signed with Jaguars*

Beadles is well known because he is on a successful team, but he is far from a great player. Money allocation, and his own miscues, will probably cause him to leave Denver this offseason. Another team would be foolish to pay him as a sure-fire starter.

5) John Jerry, Miami Dolphins. Age: 28 *signed with Giants*

John Jerry survived a scheme transition to log over 1,000 snaps for the Dolphins (per Pro Football Focus). His big, mauling style was a very poor fit for the zone-blocking scheme. Still, Jerry has never exactly been a strong player. His youth and size will get him another job, however.

6) Uche Nwaneri, Jacksonville Jaguars. Age: 29

The Jaguars parted ways with Uche Nwaneri because he was overpaid, but he is still a starting caliber player; on the very low side of that spectrum. He is alright in pass protection, but struggles to open up running lanes. You can get away with having Nwaneri on the offensive line, but just keep your expectations in check.

Role players

1) Mike Pollak, Cincinnati Bengals. Age: 29 *re-signed with Bengals*

A versatile interior lineman, there will always be a place for guys like Mike Pollak in the NFL. He can start at guard or center in a pinch for you. Pollack performed very well when called upon by the Bengals this season.

2) Shelley Smith, St. Louis Rams. Age: 27 *signed with Dolphins*

Shelley Smith got some looks for the Rams this season, and did a decent job. He is probably just a strong backup going forward. Still, given his age and recent play you might see his name involved a training camp competition.

3) Mike McGlynn, Indianapolis Colts. Age: 29 *signed with Redskins*

The Colts stubbornly kept rolling out Mike McGlynn as a starting guard. Andre Luck paid a heavy price for that decision. McGlynn is actually much better suited to play center in the NFL. You do not want to see his name amongst your favorite team’s starters, but he's a solid backup swing option.

4) Paul McQuinstan, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 31

Paul McQuinstan is an easy player to criticize, but he was unfairly pushed into a role he was not suited for. He took most of his snaps at left tackle for the Seahawks and struggled mightily. His place is a backup for four of the five o-line spots. McQuinstan can provide value in that role.

Diamond in the Rough

1) Brian Waters, Dallas Cowboys. Age: 37

It’s hard to say a potential Hall of Famer is diamond in the rough, but Brian Waters might just be one. He was a positive presence for a line that desperately needed one in Dallas. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to injury. Waters’ career is most likely over, but maybe a contender can coax him into one last go-round.

A personal favorite, Gary Williams has endured some really bad luck. Perhaps he walked under a few too many ladders or likes to pet black cats, either way fate has been cruel to Williams. Whenever he finally got his chance to start in Carolina, a freakish injury would be soon to follow. He can play multiple positions on the line, and is an ideal sixth man. However, if he could stay healthy, Williams should still get a chance to be a starting guard.

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